Black Sabbath Tops U.S. and UK Charts

Veteran metal rockers Black Sabbath, with “13,” their first studio album in thirty years, tops both the US and UK Billboard 200 album charts this week. 13 is definitely not an unlucky number for them.

This feat marks the first time ever that Black Sabbath has landed at No. 1 in the US. That’s a pretty remarkable feat, especially considering that it has been more than four decades after the rockers debuted their first album in the United States.

Black Sabbath has had one of their albums go to No. 1 in the UK. That was “Paranoid,” and it happened back in 1978, marking a span of more than 30 years, breaking a record.

Ozzy Osbourne recently confessed that he really wanted a number one in America. With Black Sabbath”s 13 debuting at the top, that gives the band a TransAtlantic double.

“13,” is Black Sabbath’s the 19th studio album. According to figures from Nielsen SoundScan, “13,” has sold 155,000 copies in its first week. This resulted in Black Sabbath ‘s knocking last week’s No. 1 album by Queens of the Stone Age off the top spot on the weekly U.S. album chart.

They released their debut self-titled album in North America in 1970, but were never able to notch the top spot on the Billboard 200 album chart in a career spanning 43 years.

The closest the band has ever come to No. 1 in the U.S. is No. 8, with 1971’s “Master of Reality.” Seven of his albums have gone top 10, butOzzy has never had a No. 1 album as a solo artist.

Black Sabbath had its greatest success during the years when it was fronted by lead singer Ozzy Osbourne. Due to irreconcilable differences, the other band members kicked Ozzy out of the band.

Ozzy went on to have many hit albums. Black Sabbath still put out some good albums after the split-up, but they never regained the fame and luster they had when Ozzy sang as their lead singer — until now, that is.

Guitarist and founding member Tony Iommi said in a statement: “The news is absolutely amazing – we couldn’t have imagined this would happen.”

Osbourne stated, “to finally have our first No. 1 album in the U.S. is another incredible milestone for Black Sabbath.”

Black Sabbath now holds the record for the biggest gap between Number One albums. Bob Dylan previously held that record. Dylan managed 39 years between 1970’s ‘New Morning’ and 2009’s “Together Through Life.” Rod Stewart held the British record with 37 years between 1976’s “A Night On The Town'” and his current album “Time.”

Black Sabbath was one of five new debut albums in the top ten this week. They are going to launch their summer tour of the USA this July, opening in Houston.

What a way for them to start the summer and tour off. Black Sabbath tops the US and UK charts, and goes on tour — put me down for tickets — it promises to be the concert event of the entire year!